CSIRO

Lava tubes are a game-changer for space exploration! 🌋 Imagine being on the Moon, facing intense radiation, extreme temperatures of -130°C, and micrometeorite impacts. Where could future human space explorers find shelter? Lava tubes may provide the answer. These natural tunnels are being explored as potential habitats for human space missions. But first, robotic scouts will venture in to map and assess their terrain. We're collaborating with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), to support their specialised rover in navigating these complex environments. Unearth the full story: https://lnkd.in/e_pNdB_z 📸 | SCOUT Rover exploring a lava tube by Roy Lichtenheldt / DLR

Hack-proof your business. 🔒 Cybercrime is increasingly one of the most significant threats to Australian businesses. It costs millions each year and damages reputations and consumer trust. So how can you protect your business assets and reputation? Here are our expert tips for strengthening your cyber defences: https://lnkd.in/gAdHSbaU

Meet our new Chief Information Officer (CIO), Jonathan Smith GAICD. 👏 We are thrilled to be welcoming Jon into his new role from 3 February 2025. Jon brings over 25 years of expertise in technology strategy, ICT operations, and program delivery. Joining us from Department of Health (WA Health), Jon has a proven track record in leading complex organisations and public sector initiatives. Jon's extensive experience includes roles at Bankwest and Western Power, as well as Executive Director of Transformation and Strategy for Health Support Services (WA health system). Welcome, Jon!

Happy Lunar New Year! 🎉 In the Chinese zodiac, 2025 marks the Year of the Wood Snake. 🐍 In the zodiac, the snake can symbolise wisdom, transformation and intuition, and this year is all about embracing change, personal growth and finding balance. Australia's roughly 190 land snake species play a central role in cultural traditions, as well as in pest control, medicine and our ecosystem's delicate balance. Slither into more snake facts: https://lnkd.in/ggWk4tkf 📷 | Southern Green Python (Morelia viridis) by cnzdenek via iNaturalist / Atlas of Living Australia.

Quantum problem-solving breakthrough. 🖥️ Our quantum researchers have demonstrated the potential for quantum computing to significantly improve how we solve complex problems involving large datasets. By using the unique properties of quantum computing, like superposition and entanglement, we compressed and analysed a large dataset with speed, accuracy, and efficiency that traditional computers cannot match. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gNyFNEiQ International Year of Quantum Science and Technology #IYQ2025

Avian stand-off. 🫶 Ah, swans. A classic symbol of love. Mates will sometimes make a heart shape with their necks and beaks, right? Wrong! We're here to knock the rose-tinted glasses straight off your nose. While swans can pair up monogamously for many years (fidelity not guaranteed), including in same-sex partnerships, they form hearts in aggression, not love. When you see two swans forming a heart, it's two males engaging in a stand-off. They're trying to intimidate one another. They will raise their wings to look as large as possible and swim around each other until one concedes by swimming away. Next time you see two swans making a heart, rest assured there's no romance on their minds, only triumph. Want to learn more facts about sex and romance in nature that may surprise you? Grab a copy of CSIRO Publishing's Nature's Sexual Spectrum: https://lnkd.in/gQTceyEG

Huge congratulations to Dr Katrina Wruck, the 2025 Young Australian of the Year! 🎉 A proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman, Katrina’s work creates sustainable solutions to help people and the planet through her business, Nguki Kula Green Labs. 🌏 We’re proud to boast Katrina as a volunteer in our STEM Professionals in Schools program. Through the program, Katrina has mentored students at Tagai State College in the Torres Strait Islands, sharing her career journey and showing how cultural knowledge and STEM can create real-world impact. Her efforts are empowering Indigenous youth to dream big and pursue STEM careers. ⭐ Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gXNNYrhF 📸| NADC/Salty Dingo

Data security in a world of quantum computers. 🔒 Quantum computers promise to bring giant leaps in science and medicine. But the technology will also mean that huge quantities of previously encrypted data could be unlocked. Professor Elanor Huntington, our Executive Director of Digital, National Facilities and Collections spoke to Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Radio National about the race to outsmart the quantum computer and protect Australia's sensitive data. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/ewrrJxVS

Come with us to detect strange space signals! 📡 Our engineers developed CRACO to detect mysterious objects by ‘sifting’ through data from our ASKAP radio telescope on Wajarri Country. Its processing ability is as powerful as sifting through a whole beach to find a five-cent coin every minute. CRACO is looking for things like fast radio bursts, pulsars and other unusual neutron stars. 👀 Development of this technology reinforces our international reputation as a leader in radio astronomy engineering and research. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/g42QTF3M 📸| Alex Cherney/CSIRO

Deafening screeches, summer breezes... It must be cicada season! 🦗 If you've ever wondered why cicadas are so loud, it's because male cicadas have a lot to do in just a couple of weeks: shed their exoskeleton, find a mate, and (hopefully) avoid becoming lunch for birds, bats, or ants. While cicadas can hit ear-splitting notes, their calls are an unmistakable soundtrack to our warm Aussie summers. Find out more about the secret life of cicadas: https://lnkd.in/gfF2kdep